Candidates 2023
HDC members will not be voting this December, as there are no opponents for the available positions on the Board of Directors. We are pleased to share with our membership the following statements of interest to serve in the 2024 & 2025 term. We are pleased to announce Sarah Kenny (acclaimed Vice-President), Andrea Downie (acclaimed Secretary), Meghan Critchley (acclaimed Director), Nicole Inica Hamilton (acclaimed Director), Jo-Anne La Fleche (acclaimed Director), and Karine Rathle (acclaimed Director). Louis Laberge-Cote (President), Alex Thompson (Treasurer), and Nathalie Gerard (Director) will continue in the second year of their respective 2022 & 2023 terms.
We express our gratitude to those who are stepping down from the board: Karen Sudds (Co-Immediate Past President), Sandro Rajic (Director), and Rhonda Roberts Smid (Director); we appreciate their dedicated service.
We express our gratitude to those who are stepping down from the board: Karen Sudds (Co-Immediate Past President), Sandro Rajic (Director), and Rhonda Roberts Smid (Director); we appreciate their dedicated service.
Statements of Interest
SARAH KENNY (AB); Vice President, Board of Directors - incumbent
The vision of Healthy Dancer Canada (HDC) is one that I embrace wholeheartedly. Building community, sharing knowledge and experience, cultivating research and education, and ultimately promoting a culture for healthy dance practice, are what guide my current role as a Dance Science researcher and educator.
Based in Calgary, Alberta, within the traditional territories of the people of the Treaty 7 region in Southern Alberta and home to Métis Nation of Alberta, Region III, I am an Associate Professor in the Faculties of Arts and Kinesiology at the University of Calgary. I teach Safe Dance Practice and Dance Science courses for undergraduate dance majors and am a registered provider of the Safe in Dance International (SiDI) certificates. I also mentor students enrolled in the combined Bachelor of Kinesiology / Bachelor of Arts (Dance) undergraduate degree, the only one of its kind in Canada. As a dance science researcher, I investigate areas described as: ‘health for dance’ and ‘dance for health’. My primary research applies my experience as a contemporary dance artist to the science of injury epidemiology and focuses on minimizing risk and reducing the burden of injuries across all dance populations. In addition, my research explores the psychosocial experience of community dance as a form of creative, physical activity for older adults, those living with Parkinson’s, and those living with and beyond cancer.
Over the past six years, I have made substantial contributions to HDC. For example, I played an active role in the Strategic Planning retreat held in May 2023, hosting all BOD and Committee Chairs at the University of Calgary. My knowledge and expertise in the field dance injury epidemiology has enabled multiple resources and conference presentations from HDC’s Dancer Screening Committee. The student practicum that I initiated through the University of Calgary has led to the employment of Alissa Lee, who is currently supporting HDC’s MembershipWorks portfolio. My graduate students also serve across various HDC committees, lending their time and expertise in several ways (e.g., social media, membership coordination).
If successful in becoming Vice President, I commit to serving HDC for the next four years: assisting the President in their duties for one year, taking on the leadership role of President for two years, and then stepping into the supporting role as Immediate Past President for one year.
I am task-oriented, highly motivated, and extremely committed to fostering dancer health through high-quality learning, research, and collaboration and am keen to continue serving as a member of HDC’s Board of Directors and in the role of Vice President for the Executive.
___
ANDREA DOWNIE (ON & AB); Secretary, Board of Directors - incumbent
I am one of the founding members of Healthy Dancer Canada, a past president (2016 & 2017), the longest serving member of the board of directors, and a member of numerous Healthy Dancer Canada committees. I remain dedicated to enhancing the safety, health, wellness, performance and dance experiences of all dancers and dance communities.
I bring to my service a personal and professional commitment to a dance ecology that is equitable, inclusive, and just. I make the following specific commitments in this context:
I also bring to Healthy Dancer Canada a broad range of experiences. I am a PhD Candidate in Kinesiology at the University of Calgary. My research focuses on the role of dance science and somatics in dancer wellness and embodied learning experiences. My work is informed by theories of healthy dance practice, social somatics, embodied dance learning, and equity-informed pedagogy. In this capacity, and as an adjunct professor in the University of Calgary Dance program, I draw upon 30+ years of experience working across Canada and beyond our borders as a dance educator, teacher-tutor, researcher, choreographer, and speaker. I am similarly experienced in working with professional, pre-professional, and recreational dancers of all ages, levels, and abilities. Dance in small rural studios and large urban arts centres are equally familiar to me. This breadth of experience is complemented by my international connections, as a registered provider and assessor with Safe in Dance International and a continuing professional development course provider with Royal Academy of Dance.
I have previously served as Secretary (2016 & 2017) and am familiar with the requirements of the role. Additionally, I have certificates in Equity Literacy, as well as understanding of equity as applied within dance contexts; this is particularly relevant to my interest in serving in a leadership role for the new Equity, Diversity, Inclusivity and Accessibility Committee. I am also keen to continue serving alongside Jo-Anne La Fleche as co-chair of the new Continuing Education Committee should this be needed. It would be an honour to continue serving the Healthy Dancer Canada community alongside the esteemed members of the current board of directors and our many committees.
___
MEGHAN CRITCHLEY (AB); Board of Directors
I am thrilled about the opportunity to contribute to the HDC in a more substantial capacity and work alongside the dedicated individuals on the current board. My strong belief in the organization's mission and values drives my commitment to utilizing my skills as a dance instructor and dance science researcher to further its goals. Specifically, I am enthusiastic about bringing my unique perspective to promote healthy dance practices for all dancers. Acknowledging the responsibilities that come with this position, I am fully prepared to dedicate the time and effort required to fulfill them effectively. I am eager to actively contribute to the strategic direction and general management of the affairs and business of HDC, playing a role in shaping its trajectory. I look forward to collaborating with fellow board members to contribute meaningfully to the success and growth of the organization. The opportunity to serve on the HDC board is both an honor and a responsibility that I approach with gratitude and enthusiasm.
___
NICOLE HAMILTON (ON); Board of Directors - incumbent
As Healthy Dancer Canada commences the 2023 election process, it is with great interest that I submit my application for reappointment to your Board of Directors, and Chair position, of the HDC Outreach and Communications Committee.
Within the scope of my artistic practice, the quest to be immersed in health centered discussions, is at the core of my work. As a dance educator and artistic director of Inica Dance Industries, my approach to the learning process is a holistic one which strives to address and learn about the overall needs of students within dance spaces. Within that scope, the psychological, and spiritual traditions of artists are of extreme importance to me.
As a counsellor with specialized work with survivors of abuse, my approach within clinical, and classroom spaces has also followed a holistic model of care. During the course of my work within these spaces, research which uncovers dynamic intersections between the physical, psychological, and spiritual histories of human existence has informed the work that I facilitate beyond those walls as a radio host and speaker.
My curiosities, and concerns about the holistic care of dance artists drew me to Healthy Dancer Canada in 2013. HDC is an outstanding space where healthy practices are not only discussed. They are researched and shared with great intention to faithfully serve community. During the last 10 years that I have been a Board of Director, it has been a great pleasure to witness the organization’s dedicated movement within Canada, and our ever changing global climate.
In my submission to be elected, I plan to contribute creative strategic planning efforts, collaborative energy, love for community, and over 30 years of work and volunteer experience in dance and clinical spaces. I intend to use these areas to support, uplift, and share the mission, vision and values of HDC.
I am profoundly grateful for the positive impact that HDC has had on my work, and personal ventures. Should you accept my submission, it will be an honor to continue serving in your next term. I look forward to the opportunity of joining you on the powerful journey ahead.
___
Jo-Anne La Flèche (QC); Board of Directors - incumbent
I am writing to submit my application as a Member of Healthy Dancer Canada’s Board of Directors for the next two-year period. I discovered Healthy Dancer Canada at the 9th Annual Conference in Saskatoon, where I presented my research for my Master’s degree in Dance. I immediately fell in love with the organization and its mission to enhance dancer health, well-being and performance, and to facilitate communication and collaboration among all members of the dance community. I met passionate people who shared the same values and interests as mine. The following January, I became a member of the Board of Directors and got involved in the Membership Committee and the Resources Committee where I helped with the developing, reviewing, translating process of new resources. Since 2018, I co-chair the Resources Committee with Andrea Downie which has been a tremendously enriching experience for me.
After serving on the Board of Directors for almost three years, I applied for the position of Vice-President in partnership with Karen Sudds, in order to assist Karine Rathle in her duties as President. Being a firm believer in the power of team work, our joint four-year venture as Co-Vice-Presidents and then as Co-Presidents enabled us to share our combined expertise as dance educator and health practitioner, along with the amazing and ongoing efforts of the Board and Committee members. During those challenging years in the face of COVID-19, we all worked together to facilitate the continued growth and outreach of our organization within the Canadian dance community, and even on the international level. I am especially proud and grateful for our initiatives to become a more inclusive and equitable organization (e.g., BIPOC scholarships, creation of a bilingual website, French translation of our educational resources, HDC strategic planning).
I have learned so much from all these experiences, and have thoroughly enjoyed working with HDC’s members, Board of Directors, and HDC collaborators during International Conferences. I would feel very privileged to continue my engagement with Healthy Dancer Canada during the next phases of our Strategic Planning in the two coming years.
___
KARINE RATHLE (QC); Board of Directors
I would like to submit my application to be a part of the new Healthy Dancer Canada (HDC) Board of directors. I have been an active member of HDC since 2015 and in 2016 I was given the chance to be a part of the BOD of HDC, I was HDC’s president for 3 years and an active part of the BOD for 5 years. It was a great experience, and I would love to re-integrate the BOD to help put forward the new strategic plan mission and vision of HDC. In 2019, I have helped with the organisation of IADMS in Montréal as well as the co-coordination of a Day for Teacher with IADMS and HDC conference committee.
Since 2009, I have been dedicating my career in the promotion of healthy dance practices for students, teachers, rehearsal directors, choreographers and everyone working within the dance world. I have many skills and knowledge that I think can help HDC in its mission going forward, from the application of dance science, dance education, teacher training to the desire and ability to disseminate effective and safe teaching practices across the globe.
I can work in both French and English and I have international experience and connections within the dance medicine and science community, researchers, educators, dance scientists mainly from the US, Germany and the UK. I was at the last IADMS conference (2023) where I presented with Jo-Anne La Flèche on consent and safeguarding dancers from abuse. It was also a great opportunity to reconnect with the international community of Dance Medicine and Science and the varied groups that I have been actively a part of. I am also a founding and active member of the executive committee of Personal safety for dance since its creation just after the IADMS 2019 conference in Montréal.
Finally, even if I left the BOD two years ago, I am still part of the Continuing Education and the Sustainability committees and would love to contribute my experience and knowledge to the Equity, Diversity, Inclusion and Accessibility committee, and will happily continue to contribute to HDC in any way that I can.
The vision of Healthy Dancer Canada (HDC) is one that I embrace wholeheartedly. Building community, sharing knowledge and experience, cultivating research and education, and ultimately promoting a culture for healthy dance practice, are what guide my current role as a Dance Science researcher and educator.
Based in Calgary, Alberta, within the traditional territories of the people of the Treaty 7 region in Southern Alberta and home to Métis Nation of Alberta, Region III, I am an Associate Professor in the Faculties of Arts and Kinesiology at the University of Calgary. I teach Safe Dance Practice and Dance Science courses for undergraduate dance majors and am a registered provider of the Safe in Dance International (SiDI) certificates. I also mentor students enrolled in the combined Bachelor of Kinesiology / Bachelor of Arts (Dance) undergraduate degree, the only one of its kind in Canada. As a dance science researcher, I investigate areas described as: ‘health for dance’ and ‘dance for health’. My primary research applies my experience as a contemporary dance artist to the science of injury epidemiology and focuses on minimizing risk and reducing the burden of injuries across all dance populations. In addition, my research explores the psychosocial experience of community dance as a form of creative, physical activity for older adults, those living with Parkinson’s, and those living with and beyond cancer.
Over the past six years, I have made substantial contributions to HDC. For example, I played an active role in the Strategic Planning retreat held in May 2023, hosting all BOD and Committee Chairs at the University of Calgary. My knowledge and expertise in the field dance injury epidemiology has enabled multiple resources and conference presentations from HDC’s Dancer Screening Committee. The student practicum that I initiated through the University of Calgary has led to the employment of Alissa Lee, who is currently supporting HDC’s MembershipWorks portfolio. My graduate students also serve across various HDC committees, lending their time and expertise in several ways (e.g., social media, membership coordination).
If successful in becoming Vice President, I commit to serving HDC for the next four years: assisting the President in their duties for one year, taking on the leadership role of President for two years, and then stepping into the supporting role as Immediate Past President for one year.
I am task-oriented, highly motivated, and extremely committed to fostering dancer health through high-quality learning, research, and collaboration and am keen to continue serving as a member of HDC’s Board of Directors and in the role of Vice President for the Executive.
___
ANDREA DOWNIE (ON & AB); Secretary, Board of Directors - incumbent
I am one of the founding members of Healthy Dancer Canada, a past president (2016 & 2017), the longest serving member of the board of directors, and a member of numerous Healthy Dancer Canada committees. I remain dedicated to enhancing the safety, health, wellness, performance and dance experiences of all dancers and dance communities.
I bring to my service a personal and professional commitment to a dance ecology that is equitable, inclusive, and just. I make the following specific commitments in this context:
- willingness to listen to and learn from the diverse expertise and lived experiences of others,
- responsibility to critically examine the organization’s current processes, practices, and policies with an aim to making meaningful progress and necessary changes in the direction of equity, both in the immediate and long term.
I also bring to Healthy Dancer Canada a broad range of experiences. I am a PhD Candidate in Kinesiology at the University of Calgary. My research focuses on the role of dance science and somatics in dancer wellness and embodied learning experiences. My work is informed by theories of healthy dance practice, social somatics, embodied dance learning, and equity-informed pedagogy. In this capacity, and as an adjunct professor in the University of Calgary Dance program, I draw upon 30+ years of experience working across Canada and beyond our borders as a dance educator, teacher-tutor, researcher, choreographer, and speaker. I am similarly experienced in working with professional, pre-professional, and recreational dancers of all ages, levels, and abilities. Dance in small rural studios and large urban arts centres are equally familiar to me. This breadth of experience is complemented by my international connections, as a registered provider and assessor with Safe in Dance International and a continuing professional development course provider with Royal Academy of Dance.
I have previously served as Secretary (2016 & 2017) and am familiar with the requirements of the role. Additionally, I have certificates in Equity Literacy, as well as understanding of equity as applied within dance contexts; this is particularly relevant to my interest in serving in a leadership role for the new Equity, Diversity, Inclusivity and Accessibility Committee. I am also keen to continue serving alongside Jo-Anne La Fleche as co-chair of the new Continuing Education Committee should this be needed. It would be an honour to continue serving the Healthy Dancer Canada community alongside the esteemed members of the current board of directors and our many committees.
___
MEGHAN CRITCHLEY (AB); Board of Directors
I am thrilled about the opportunity to contribute to the HDC in a more substantial capacity and work alongside the dedicated individuals on the current board. My strong belief in the organization's mission and values drives my commitment to utilizing my skills as a dance instructor and dance science researcher to further its goals. Specifically, I am enthusiastic about bringing my unique perspective to promote healthy dance practices for all dancers. Acknowledging the responsibilities that come with this position, I am fully prepared to dedicate the time and effort required to fulfill them effectively. I am eager to actively contribute to the strategic direction and general management of the affairs and business of HDC, playing a role in shaping its trajectory. I look forward to collaborating with fellow board members to contribute meaningfully to the success and growth of the organization. The opportunity to serve on the HDC board is both an honor and a responsibility that I approach with gratitude and enthusiasm.
___
NICOLE HAMILTON (ON); Board of Directors - incumbent
As Healthy Dancer Canada commences the 2023 election process, it is with great interest that I submit my application for reappointment to your Board of Directors, and Chair position, of the HDC Outreach and Communications Committee.
Within the scope of my artistic practice, the quest to be immersed in health centered discussions, is at the core of my work. As a dance educator and artistic director of Inica Dance Industries, my approach to the learning process is a holistic one which strives to address and learn about the overall needs of students within dance spaces. Within that scope, the psychological, and spiritual traditions of artists are of extreme importance to me.
As a counsellor with specialized work with survivors of abuse, my approach within clinical, and classroom spaces has also followed a holistic model of care. During the course of my work within these spaces, research which uncovers dynamic intersections between the physical, psychological, and spiritual histories of human existence has informed the work that I facilitate beyond those walls as a radio host and speaker.
My curiosities, and concerns about the holistic care of dance artists drew me to Healthy Dancer Canada in 2013. HDC is an outstanding space where healthy practices are not only discussed. They are researched and shared with great intention to faithfully serve community. During the last 10 years that I have been a Board of Director, it has been a great pleasure to witness the organization’s dedicated movement within Canada, and our ever changing global climate.
In my submission to be elected, I plan to contribute creative strategic planning efforts, collaborative energy, love for community, and over 30 years of work and volunteer experience in dance and clinical spaces. I intend to use these areas to support, uplift, and share the mission, vision and values of HDC.
I am profoundly grateful for the positive impact that HDC has had on my work, and personal ventures. Should you accept my submission, it will be an honor to continue serving in your next term. I look forward to the opportunity of joining you on the powerful journey ahead.
___
Jo-Anne La Flèche (QC); Board of Directors - incumbent
I am writing to submit my application as a Member of Healthy Dancer Canada’s Board of Directors for the next two-year period. I discovered Healthy Dancer Canada at the 9th Annual Conference in Saskatoon, where I presented my research for my Master’s degree in Dance. I immediately fell in love with the organization and its mission to enhance dancer health, well-being and performance, and to facilitate communication and collaboration among all members of the dance community. I met passionate people who shared the same values and interests as mine. The following January, I became a member of the Board of Directors and got involved in the Membership Committee and the Resources Committee where I helped with the developing, reviewing, translating process of new resources. Since 2018, I co-chair the Resources Committee with Andrea Downie which has been a tremendously enriching experience for me.
After serving on the Board of Directors for almost three years, I applied for the position of Vice-President in partnership with Karen Sudds, in order to assist Karine Rathle in her duties as President. Being a firm believer in the power of team work, our joint four-year venture as Co-Vice-Presidents and then as Co-Presidents enabled us to share our combined expertise as dance educator and health practitioner, along with the amazing and ongoing efforts of the Board and Committee members. During those challenging years in the face of COVID-19, we all worked together to facilitate the continued growth and outreach of our organization within the Canadian dance community, and even on the international level. I am especially proud and grateful for our initiatives to become a more inclusive and equitable organization (e.g., BIPOC scholarships, creation of a bilingual website, French translation of our educational resources, HDC strategic planning).
I have learned so much from all these experiences, and have thoroughly enjoyed working with HDC’s members, Board of Directors, and HDC collaborators during International Conferences. I would feel very privileged to continue my engagement with Healthy Dancer Canada during the next phases of our Strategic Planning in the two coming years.
___
KARINE RATHLE (QC); Board of Directors
I would like to submit my application to be a part of the new Healthy Dancer Canada (HDC) Board of directors. I have been an active member of HDC since 2015 and in 2016 I was given the chance to be a part of the BOD of HDC, I was HDC’s president for 3 years and an active part of the BOD for 5 years. It was a great experience, and I would love to re-integrate the BOD to help put forward the new strategic plan mission and vision of HDC. In 2019, I have helped with the organisation of IADMS in Montréal as well as the co-coordination of a Day for Teacher with IADMS and HDC conference committee.
Since 2009, I have been dedicating my career in the promotion of healthy dance practices for students, teachers, rehearsal directors, choreographers and everyone working within the dance world. I have many skills and knowledge that I think can help HDC in its mission going forward, from the application of dance science, dance education, teacher training to the desire and ability to disseminate effective and safe teaching practices across the globe.
I can work in both French and English and I have international experience and connections within the dance medicine and science community, researchers, educators, dance scientists mainly from the US, Germany and the UK. I was at the last IADMS conference (2023) where I presented with Jo-Anne La Flèche on consent and safeguarding dancers from abuse. It was also a great opportunity to reconnect with the international community of Dance Medicine and Science and the varied groups that I have been actively a part of. I am also a founding and active member of the executive committee of Personal safety for dance since its creation just after the IADMS 2019 conference in Montréal.
Finally, even if I left the BOD two years ago, I am still part of the Continuing Education and the Sustainability committees and would love to contribute my experience and knowledge to the Equity, Diversity, Inclusion and Accessibility committee, and will happily continue to contribute to HDC in any way that I can.